Masks, Masks Everywhere- Share Your Experiences Here

After starting yet another mask trying spree, it occurred to me that it might be a great idea to have one thread with our common knowledge of various masks in one place- a BT guide to masks if you'd like. We have the swatch board for makeup, but nothing like that for skincare.

Re: Masks, Masks Everywhere- Share Your Experiences Here

What hurt so much?? I've never had a problem at all. It comes off in one piece and peels satisfyingly! My eyes usually water and get red pretty easily, but I've never noticed any problems with the black mask or any... fumes? I don't know?

It sounds like it was just a terrible experience all around for you I like this mask a lot, so it's really weird.

Re: Masks, Masks Everywhere- Share Your Experiences Here

Name of Mask: Boscia Luminizing Black MaskPrice/Availability: $34, SephoraType: Peel-off (my fave! Of course, I was that kid in elementary school who loved putting glue on her skin to pick it off later)My skin: Sensitive with some redness in my cheeks, tendency towards oil in T-Zone

My experience: I received a sample- and this is the mask that inspired this thread (see the anything else). One sample packet makes a very full mask. A major warning: this one made my eyes water like crazy, and I avoided the eye area very carefully. (I don't want black junk near my eyes!) I had a really hard time with removal, but that could've been user error in application. My skin was soft, but really red and irritated from removal.

Do you recommend? Not to anyone with sensitive skin.

Who should use it? Not sure, to be honest. Hopefully others have experience with this one.

Anything else? Be forewarned, BLACK means BLACK. I had to scramble for contacts because there wasn't going to be a way to wear glasses while it dried. I figured black meant grey- ha!

Re: Masks, Masks Everywhere- Share Your Experiences Here

OMG it's just getting worse. I've got cystic acne on my CHEEKS. Granted, it's the right hormonal time for that, but I haven't had acne on my cheeks since I was 13 or 14. I have the usual hormonal spot by my mouth and on my chin. But seriously.... these suckers are DEEP.

Re: Masks, Masks Everywhere- Share Your Experiences Here

It's crushing because I'm a grown adult with excellent skin (aside from my 1 or 2 hormonal zits each month, which I'm happy to welcome at this point in my life...). I don't break out!

That's why this is so mystifying. The one actually throbs! I'm throwing everything I can think of at it to try to coax it out sooner rather than later. If it keeps blowing up, I don't know what I'll do!

Re: Masks, Masks Everywhere- Share Your Experiences Here

Name of Mask: Lush Catastrophe CosmeticPrice/Availability: In-store @ Lush, it's been so long since I had to pay (see final note) that I forgetType: Rinse-offMy skin: Sensitive with some redness in my cheeks, tendency towards oil in T-Zone

My experience: Heaven in a mask. Full of antioxidants (blueberries), this is a soothing mask that will get my face back in shape after it's been dried out, burned, or abused in some other way. It quietly does its job while smelling yummy.

Do you recommend? Yes, it's one of my favorites

Who should use it? Sensitive or inflamed skin

Anything else? All of Lush's fresh face masks are perishable, so make sure to buy as close to the day that the store received it (call ahead!) and keep them in the fridge! Also- they have a pot trade-in (similar to Back 2 MAC), so keep those black pots. 5= free mask

My experience: I only use this sparingly and have only used it as a true mask in my T-Zone because it's very effective. It would strip the moisture from the balanced areas of my face. However, it's an incredible spot treatment as well and part of my acne-fighting process when I do get spots.

Do you recommend? Yes

Who should use it? Oily skin, works amazingly as a spot treatment. Not for sensitive or dry skin!

My experience: I've tried both of these, and if money were unlimited, I'd keep an unlimited supply of both around. Like any other retinol treatment, I saw a huge improvement in my skin that lasted for a day or so. The eye masks are a full night's sleep in 30 minutes- so soothing, and so revitalizing.

Do you recommend? YES! Especially the eye masks

Who should use it? Anyone in need of retinol or before a big event. Provided that they were tested prior, I'd see these being really useful to a bride!

Anything else? Pro tip: If you're super careful with the eye masks, there's enough liquid in there for 2 uses. Make sure to seal and refrigerate overnight.

My experience: This is the second mask (the other- Glamglow Supermud) in my regular skincare rotation, so I like it a lot. I'm admittedly a Shiseido girl, so I was naturally inclined to like it. This mask is different than most in that there are a series of facial massages that you're to perform when you apply the mask in order to increase blood flow. I'm not sure how much that adds, but it feels luxurious and feels nice. I use this twice a week. It's a partially clear gel with some "beads" suspended in it. It feels nice, tingles a bit, and my skin glows after I wash it off. Over time, I've seen my skin improve a bit, but it's not a miracle worker. I do like it, though.

Do you recommend? Yes

Who should use it? Benefiance is targeted towards anti-aging, so I'd recommend this to 30+s.

My experience: Wow, does this one burn more than its pore-cleansing sister. This one is meant to exfoliate- and it does so. It left my skin really soft and resurfaced- but I was very nervous due to the burn. I almost didn't tough it out the first time I tried it. I don't know if I'll repurchase after getting the smaller version since the other mask is a staple in my routine now. It's nice for an occasional treat, but my skin couldn't handle it frequently.

Do you recommend? Yes, but not to those with sensitive skin or congested skin.

Who should use it? Anyone needing a nice exfoliation.

Anything else? I saw results- but you don't need both this and the Supermud. Pick one or the other.

Re: Masks, Masks Everywhere- Share Your Experiences Here

I loved this one! I thought it tingled without burning and I enjoyed taking a loooong time scrubbing it off and giving my skin the most thorough scrubby exfoliation it has ever had. It left my skin smelling yummy and feeling SO SOFT, though the chunks of tea leaves looked kind of weird/out of place in the mask.